Vietnam Trekking Holiday: 7-Day Pu Luong Village Trek

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.

Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

This morning, the tour starts at 08:30. Drive pass the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Driver drops off at Lenin Garden – communal space of local for taking an easy walk before strolling through areas where sewing shops have been in family hands for generations, and people still practice the old ways, or admire the daily life of local people in the alley of Hanoi.

Proceed to the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.

If interested, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments contribute to the oriental feel. For travelers who are musicians, opportunities to play some notes will present themselves, all under the guidance of the artists. 

Afterward, visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which is both a research center and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. 

Towards the end of the tour, embark on a walk-through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. 

Make a stop at Thuong Tra tea house nested in an old apartment building, just to escape from Hanoi’s bustling life and learn about the importance of drinking tea in Vietnamese society while sipping on a cup of tea.

Then take a stroll around the charming Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy local daily life passing by. Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.  

Overnight in Hanoi.

Set off after breakfast, this morning for a four-hour drive to Mai Chau. The drive goes through beautiful Hoa Binh Province, located in the mountainous area southeast of Hanoi: a region dotted with limestone karsts. Pass through several villages along the way (home to Thai, Hmong, and Dao people.)

Descend the last 14 km along a steep mountain road into the stunning valley of Mai Chau. Enjoy a hot lunch here, served by the trekking cook in one of the small villages. The homestay this evening is inside this quaint village and is a great way to experience the cultures and traditions of the Thai people.

After lunch and a bit of relaxation, take a short 1-2 hour walk around the village and the valley. Depending on the day of the week, visit Mai Chau Market and Van Village.  

Overnight homestay in a Thai village

After breakfast, drive 22km further into the reserve to begin the trek. The trek lasts for approximately 3 hrs before arriving at Hang Village, home to Thai ethnic minority. Spend the night with a local Thai family in their traditional house built on stilts. Enjoy a stroll around the village to observe daily life activities before dinner.

Overnight homestay in a Thai village

For those who don’t mind the early wake up, take part in the local morning activities or take a stroll around Hang village before breakfast. Today is a harder day of hiking, 50% on village paths 50% on an old, disused, unpaved French road. There are some steep climbs throughout the day, as well as some stream crossings. While trekking becomes more remote, one is never far from a villager tending fields or walking back from the early morning market.

While lunch is being prepared, relax from the heat of the day in a local home inside the village. After lunch, continue along the old jeep road to a village nestled between steep karst mountains.  Arrive early with spare energy to hike a two-hour return trip to a newly discovered and incredibly large cave. Hidden on high ground surrounded by thickets and hanging vegetation, the cave is now protected by the Forest rangers, due to the delicate ecosystem and bat species inside.

Overnight homestay in a village

Wake up early to the sound of chickens and ducks, and children preparing for the day at school. Take an early morning walk through the village to experience morning life in a farming community. The trek heads out along the Ma River and, after 2 hours, reach Pho Doan Town.

If this day of the itinerary falls on a Sunday, pay a visit to the busy Pho Doan market. Followed by trekking to the Ma River, enjoy a nice view of rivers, paddies and a water wheel on the way. Pick up will be arranged from here for the departing transfer to Hanoi (arriving in the late afternoon.)

Overnight in Hanoi

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight